The 1967 Psychedelic Rock Classic That Defined the Summer of Love

The Summer of Love evokes images of lazing in the sun and dancing with abandon. Free love and free drugs. It was a fruitful period of time that still serves as an inspiration to many of today’s artists. Hippie culture was in full swing – young people across the country (but especially in the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco) were rejecting societal norms and opting for communal habitation and a less structured way of life. Change was in the air.

With the popularization of the bohemian lifestyle came a fresh influx of art and music. Dreamy folk-rock and experimental pop came on the scene, along with perhaps the most influential genre of the late 1960s: psychedelic rock. The popularity of this music mirrored the prominent use of hallucinogenic drugs during this time, creating an all-encompassing experience for those who subscribed to the lifestyle. Of all the psychedelic rock that was permeating the airwaves and festival circuits, “Light my Fire” by The Doors was the ultimate Summer of Love anthem.

The Collaborative Creation of “Light My Fire”

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The Doors formed in Los Angeles in 1965, releasing nine studio albums between 1967 and 1978. Frontman Jim Morrison sang on the first six albums before his tragic passing in 1971. He was only 27 years old. The Doors were considered pioneers in their field, having an immense impact on rock and roll with their controversial and innovative music. They were a musical cornerstone for the counterculture movement, breaking the mold whenever they had the chance. The band blended genres and drew from unlikely influences – their creativity led to substantial commercial success and a legacy that will live on forever.

“Light My Fire” was initially included on The Doors’ self-titled debut album, which was released in January 1967. The track was over seven minutes long, featuring an extended instrumental segment that was elaborated upon even further during the band’s live performances. As the track quickly garnered attention among listeners, the song was rearranged to be more radio-friendly. “Light My Fire” was reissued as a single in April of the same year. The single hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained there for three weeks.

“Light My Fire” was the first song ever composed by Robby Kreiger, founding member and guitarist for The Doors. He was inspired by The Rolling Stones’ 1965 B-side release “Play With Fire.” When the other band members heard the track, they added their personal touches. Drummer John Densmore incorporated a Latin-inspired beat and suggested the song open with a single hit to the snare. Keyboardist Ray Manzarek pushed for Bach-esque organ music to expand the sound and add a layer of interest to the track. Jim Morrison wrote the lyrics for most of the chorus and the second verse. The arrangement was truly a group effort. The innovative, unexpected structure cobbled together by the various interests of the band members made the song extremely conducive to the (counter) culture of the late ‘60s.

The Inspiration Behind The Doors’ Biggest Hit

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With the combination of so many varying influences – Bach, The Stones, Latin music, jazz, and blues – it would be easy for “Light My Fire” to feel messy and overworked. However, the simple lyrics keep the song grounded, allowing each band member to experiment in a way that remains cohesive. While Manzarek’s organ playing takes center stage on the track, Jim Morrison’s vocals match the lyrics perfectly. He starts off soft, pleadingly conversational. By the end of the song, his voice had risen to a raw, growling yell.

Primarily played in the key of A minor (although modulated frequently throughout), “Light My Fire” has a darker, grittier sound than much of its psychedelic contemporaries. This is in keeping with much of The Doors’ music – it has an edge to it, steeped in sexual innuendo and existential contemplation. This was due in part to Morrison’s deep-rooted interest in poetry and philosophy, specifically authors such as Charles Baudelaire, Franz Kafka, Freidrich Nietzsche, and Jack Kerouac. These influences come through clearly in the nihilistic, decadent, and mystical allusions throughout the band’s discography.

A Controversial Television Appearance

In September 1967, The Doors appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, an extremely popular (and long running) American variety program. This live televised performance was a big deal – bands tended to take off after appearing on the program, which had a large and loyal viewership. The show was a career maker, and the opportunity was a big one. The band was even asked to perform in a series of episodes — however, this did not pan out.

When The Doors arrived on set, the producers for The Ed Sullivan Show asked them to make an adjustment when performing “Light My Fire.” They wanted Morrison to sing “girl, we couldn’t get much better,” instead of the original line “girl, we couldn’t get much higher.” They were worried that the lyrics could be interpreted as a drug reference and their viewers would be disturbed. The band agreed to the stipulation. However, when it came time to sing the forbidden line, Morrison sang the original version anyway, swiftly ruining their multi-episode deal. Ed Sullivan refused to shake his hand as he left the stage.

The Doors stayed true to themselves and their music throughout their entire careers. The band had a renaissance in the early ‘90s when the film The Doors, starring Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison, was released, sparking a new generation to take interest in their music. However, the three surviving band members did not appreciate the way Morrison was portrayed in the movie, citing rampant misinformation. Regardless of whether The Doors film is true to tha band’s history, it caused their music to reenter the charts. The Doors continue to stay relevant decades later.

“Light My Fire” is synonymous with the counterculture of the late ‘60s and all the consciousness-expanding magic that went along with it. It is a provocative anthem of passion and freedom soaked in psychedelia, pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable at the time. The Doors brought the underground music of the nonconformist movement into the mainstream, and, in doing so, created a masterpiece that will forever evoke this fleeting era of liberation.